Erin Contino – Expert Insight into Equine Lameness and Performance
DVM, Dipl.ACVSMR
Erin Contino has built a career that blends scientific precision, technical excellence, and a lifelong passion for equestrian sport. As an associate professor in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation at Colorado State University (CSU), she is widely regarded as one of the field’s most trusted authorities on equine performance, musculoskeletal imaging, and complex lameness evaluation.
Her unique background, as both a seasoned competitor in three-day eventing and a board-certified veterinary specialist, gives her rare insight into the needs, challenges, and physiology of the equine athlete.
Early Life Rooted in Horses and Horsemanship
Raised in Northern California, Erin Contino was immersed in horses from the beginning. Her early dedication to the sport culminated in earning the prestigious “A” rating from the United States Pony Club, an accomplishment that reflects not only riding skill but deep knowledge of horse care, training, and management.
Her connection to performance horses never faded. Before entering veterinary medicine, she spent several years on the East Coast as a professional rider and barn manager, working daily with high-level eventing horses. This early professional chapter continues to shape her clinical perspective today, merging hands-on horsemanship with advanced medical expertise.
Academic Excellence and a Return to CSU
Erin Contino began her undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego, before transferring to Colorado State University to pursue equine sciences. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in 1999, setting the foundation for her future in veterinary medicine.
After several years working professionally in the equestrian world, she returned to CSU to deepen her scientific training. She completed a Master of Science in clinical sciences in 2009, followed by her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. These dual graduate degrees positioned her to contribute meaningfully to both clinical practice and research throughout her career.
Specialized Training in Sports Medicine and Imaging
Following veterinary school, Erin Contino completed a rigorous one-year internship at Pioneer Equine Hospital in Oakdale, California. She then returned to CSU for one of the most comprehensive training pathways available in her discipline:
- Three-year residency in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation
- One-year fellowship in equine musculoskeletal ultrasound
During this time, she advanced her expertise in diagnostic analgesia, advanced imaging, performance evaluation, and the management of complex lameness cases.
She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) in 2014, earning board certification that reflects the highest level of professional achievement in her specialty.
Academic Leadership and Clinical Expertise
Today, Erin Contino serves as an associate professor at the CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. At the Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, she works at the intersection of research innovation and clinical practice, evaluating athletic performance challenges, developing diagnostic strategies, and helping horses return to soundness and competition.
Her areas of expertise include:
- Equine musculoskeletal imaging
- Diagnostic nerve blocks and analgesia techniques
- Investigation of poor performance
- Evaluation and treatment of lameness in sport horses
- Rehabilitative strategies for equine athletes
Her research portfolio includes influential publications in journals such as Equine Veterinary Journal, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound. Her work contributes to improving safety, diagnostic accuracy, and treatment outcomes for horses across competitive disciplines.
Contribution to the Veterinary Community
Beyond her academic role, Erin Contino is actively involved in the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Association of Equine Practitioners. She regularly contributes to professional education, speaks at industry conferences, and helps shape best practices in sports medicine and rehabilitation.
A Lifelong Rider Committed to the Sport
Even with a demanding academic and clinical schedule, Erin Contino continues to compete in three-day eventing, a testament to her enduring commitment to equestrian sport. Her dual identity as both clinician and rider gives her an uncommon ability to understand the subtleties of performance problems and tailor treatment plans for athletes and their owners.
Why Erin Contino Matters
Erin Contino stands out not only for her credentials and clinical skill, but for the holistic way she approaches equine performance. She brings together:
- Deep practical knowledge from her years as a professional rider
- Advanced training in sports medicine, imaging, and rehabilitation
- A strong research foundation
- A genuine passion for enhancing the health, comfort, and athletic potential of every horse she treats
Her work continues to influence the standards of care for equine athletes and the next generation of veterinarians entering the field.
Erin Contino is a faculty speaker in the Equine Lameness Program. If you wish to elevate your lameness diagnostic skills and learn directly from her, Dr. Rhiannon Morgan and Marianna Biggi, make sure to explore the Equine Lameness Program. This the most comprehensive, case-based training pathway designed to help veterinarians make a measurable difference to the horses in their care.